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30th out of 88 books
—
117 voters
The Accidental Genius of Weasel High
by
Rick Detorie
A book for the Wimpy Kid who has grown into a Wimpy Teen
Larkin Pace desperately wants a new camcorder. How else is he going to become the next great filmmaker? But his dad won’t give him any money, his sister is determined to make his life miserable, and his nemesis Dalton Cooke is trying to steal his girlfriend. Now this height-challenged aspiring director must chronicle...more
Larkin Pace desperately wants a new camcorder. How else is he going to become the next great filmmaker? But his dad won’t give him any money, his sister is determined to make his life miserable, and his nemesis Dalton Cooke is trying to steal his girlfriend. Now this height-challenged aspiring director must chronicle...more
Paperback, 199 pages
Published
April 26th 2011
by EgmontUSA
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Although it may be targeted to the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" age groups, this book would probably be enjoyed by almost anyone who likes the author's "One Big Happy" daily newspaper comic strip. This story reminds me more of Sue Townsend's "Adrian Mole Diaries" and Dan Elish's "Born Too Short" than the Wimpy Kid series. There were some things that I had a problem with 1)The parents were unrealistically indulgent of the main character's older sister. I grew up in a multiple child household (a middle...more
This is a funny funny book that will be enjoyed by many Wimpy Kid fans. It's written as a "notebook blog", which in practice reads like a diary with lots of pictures. It's similar to Smile by Raina Telegemaier, with more text, from the guy's point of view, and a little edgier.
Larkin faces issues common to the male teen--annoying older sister, a friend who's not very cool, a bully who repeatedly and variously threatens him (and does worse than threaten, especially to his friend), and dreams that...more
Larkin faces issues common to the male teen--annoying older sister, a friend who's not very cool, a bully who repeatedly and variously threatens him (and does worse than threaten, especially to his friend), and dreams that...more
Targeted to children or teens that have enjoyed the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, The Accidental Genius of Weasel High is told using a journal type of format from Larkin's point of view. I say journal, but it's really a written blog assigned by his English teacher to chronicle his life, interests, hobbies, or whatever else he wants to write about. As with the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, this book features graphics and cartoons, but in a less appealing way. The graphics and cartoons do not look l...more
Summary:
Larkin Pace is 14 and hates it. He can’t do any of the things that he would love to do because he is 14. Also, he has the most useless superpower. This superpower is retaining movie information. After he sees a movie, he can tell you everything about it. The only good thing about that is his friend Brooke can also recall corny movie lines. To go along with his superpower, Larkin wants to be a famous director. The only thing that is holding him back is getting a brand new camcorder, a rea...more
Larkin Pace is 14 and hates it. He can’t do any of the things that he would love to do because he is 14. Also, he has the most useless superpower. This superpower is retaining movie information. After he sees a movie, he can tell you everything about it. The only good thing about that is his friend Brooke can also recall corny movie lines. To go along with his superpower, Larkin wants to be a famous director. The only thing that is holding him back is getting a brand new camcorder, a rea...more
The Accidental Genius of Weasel High is a 2013 Teen Nutmeg Nominee which means one thing - I had to read it. It was actually one of the last of the 10 that I read because I just didn't think I would like it. This is a huge lesson in not judging a book by its cover because I really liked it! Larkin was a great character/narrator. His adventures and mishaps throughout his freshman year of high school had me experiencing all the emotions with him - and mostly, they were enjoyable and funny.
Larkin...more
Larkin...more
The Accidental genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie
In the tradition of a diary of a wimpy kid this book chronicles the adventures of a 14 year old boy and that age groups humor. That humor is demonstrated in the title.
Larkin Pace is a vertically challenged 14 year old teenager. His goals and aspirations are subject to the people and kids around him. His control over his life is minimal. He spends a lot of time frustrated. This is going to resonate well with young teens who share the same feeli...more
In the tradition of a diary of a wimpy kid this book chronicles the adventures of a 14 year old boy and that age groups humor. That humor is demonstrated in the title.
Larkin Pace is a vertically challenged 14 year old teenager. His goals and aspirations are subject to the people and kids around him. His control over his life is minimal. He spends a lot of time frustrated. This is going to resonate well with young teens who share the same feeli...more
The Accidental Genius of Weasel High is a current Teen Nutmeg Nominee which means one thing - I had to read it. It was actually one of the last of the 10 that I read because I just didn't think I would like it. This is a huge lesson in not judging a book by its cover because I really liked it! Larkin was a great character/narrator. His adventures and mishaps throughout his freshman year of high school had me experiencing all the emotions with him - and mostly, they were enjoyable and funny.
Lar...more
Lar...more
Detorie has made an entry into the growing list of novel-comic book hybrids with this peek into the journal of high school freshman Larkin Pace. While fulfilling an English class writing assignment, Larkin tells us the story of the second half of the school year. He deals with many of the usual teens dramas: the school bully, a lost love, the ups and downs of friendship, and a mean older sister. He also has a special wish: to buy a camcorder and start his film making career.
Larkin is honest, sma...more
Larkin is honest, sma...more
Fun, light, realistic, boy fare.
Some random, disconnected thoughts...
--I wish Detorie'd emphasized the Genius part of the title a bit more. The term "Accidental Genius" is defined in the first page or so, and then it's sort of referred back to, but don't expect a lot of plot from the title.
--I liked the use of sequential art, though sometimes it wasn't all that sequential, and some of the illustrations didn't necessarily add anything to the text. But they don't detract, and they do make the page...more
Some random, disconnected thoughts...
--I wish Detorie'd emphasized the Genius part of the title a bit more. The term "Accidental Genius" is defined in the first page or so, and then it's sort of referred back to, but don't expect a lot of plot from the title.
--I liked the use of sequential art, though sometimes it wasn't all that sequential, and some of the illustrations didn't necessarily add anything to the text. But they don't detract, and they do make the page...more
I decided to read this book on an impulse while I was trying out my library’s e-book collection, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. I quite enjoyed it and I think it will appeal to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. It’s similar in that it has cartoons mixed in with the text, and the main character is a somewhat unpopular fourteen-year-old boy.
Larkin Pace has plans to be a famous film director, and he has the entertaining but largely useless talent of remembering both facts about...more
Larkin Pace has plans to be a famous film director, and he has the entertaining but largely useless talent of remembering both facts about...more
Great afternoon read that appeals to both boys and girls. Not a true graphic novel, more of a Diary of A Wimpy Kid with real art, this story chronicles the year in the life of a teen who hates being fourteen. Any child would be able to relate to the feeling of isolation, frustration, irritation, and bewilderment that Larkin communicates in his personal blog with humor and a deft eye to middle school life. The authentic voice and ringing endorsement by comic artists Richard Thompson (Cul de Sac)...more
"A Book for the Wimpy Kid who has grown into a Wimpy Teen" is the phrase written on the back of this book and it is seriously appropriate.
Fourteen year-old freshman, Larkin Pace, is writing a blog for his English class assignment. Making up this book are the entries themselves which helped him win the class coveted prize, 100% grade.
Larkin blogs about his desire to become a famous filmmaker, and all the grand schemes he's planned to get there. One of which involves a stint on The Price is Righ...more
Fourteen year-old freshman, Larkin Pace, is writing a blog for his English class assignment. Making up this book are the entries themselves which helped him win the class coveted prize, 100% grade.
Larkin blogs about his desire to become a famous filmmaker, and all the grand schemes he's planned to get there. One of which involves a stint on The Price is Righ...more
While Larkin prepares to become the next great filmmaker, he must first survive his sister's endless drama, his maybe-girlfriend is seeing another guy, and he needs 900 bucks for a new video camera. Telling his story in journal entries and black and white illustrations, Larkin addresses school tension and his odd friendship with Freddie, his goal to meet Steven Spielberg over a casual dinner, and his obsessive knowledge of film. The art is engaging and rich, taking the narrative thread to a fant...more
It was a pretty good book, but it had a terrible ending. I feel like it left so many strings untied. I thought it was cute that his whole notebook/blog project was kind of turned into a movie; it even had "out-takes." So, my question is, was the whole project make-believe, as part of his accidental genius? If so, then why not end up by getting the girl? Speaking of the girl in question, what a bonehead for not standing up for her friend even though she said she knew the truth. Instead, she walks...more
This is a great book for the reluctant teen boy reader who doesn't want to be caught dead reading that kid's book Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The book is based on an English assignment where students are tricked into writing a journal that the teacher refers to as a "blog". But since the assignment is to hand write everything it is quite amusing that the kids do not pick up on the deceit.
The blog entries include humorous comic styled illustrations that sometimes add to the dialogue. All in all the boo...more
The blog entries include humorous comic styled illustrations that sometimes add to the dialogue. All in all the boo...more
Not truly a graphic novel, but an illustrated story in comic-strip style, very similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid but aimed at a slightly older audience. Dalton, 14, in 9th grade, journals his life for English class, how he dreams of being a famous movie director if he could just get the money for a high quality camera; he thinks he might like his friend Brooke as more than a friend, but hey is she showing interest in the guy who bullies Dalton?! Oh no! Plus he's got an annoying older sister, the u...more
Not a whole lot happens. And I have to say, it's a bit of a relief. Nobody has mad cow disease, the school doesn't burn down, Larkin's parents don't split up. This gives us the chance to settle in and enjoy getting to know Larkin. He lives on a farm, for example, and owns seventeen dogs. He thinks that shrimp cocktail is a drink. His love life and his relationship with his eccentric friend Freddie unfold in episodic fits and starts, a lot like real life and in fact a lot like a daily comic strip...more
May 16, 2011
Books and Literature for Teens
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
for teens (especially teen guys)
A hilarious take on the life of a “wimpy” teenager, The Accidental Genius of Weasel High is great novel for young teens (especially teen guys) who will relate to Larkin’s comical situations and outtakes on high school, family, and first love. Incorporating illustrations within the written novel is a perfect way to get anybody to read, especially with a generation of young readers who are use to visual communication. Detorie seems like a great author to watch for more graphic novels from.
Overall,...more
Overall,...more
Jan 01, 2012
Needleroozer
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of that obnoixious Wimpy Kid
Shelves:
young-adult
The main character in this book has a lot more personality than the kid in the Wimpy Kid series.
This kid is funny and nice and knows about movies. He's a geek and not too popular, but he's not obnoxious. However, he is a little too much like an adult interpretation of a nice 14 year old kid and not enough like an actual 14 year old kid. I think a real 14 year old kid might have more obnoxious moments than this character does.
The reading group guide at the back of the book is funny, as are the "O...more
This kid is funny and nice and knows about movies. He's a geek and not too popular, but he's not obnoxious. However, he is a little too much like an adult interpretation of a nice 14 year old kid and not enough like an actual 14 year old kid. I think a real 14 year old kid might have more obnoxious moments than this character does.
The reading group guide at the back of the book is funny, as are the "O...more
A ninth grader's episodic journal (recorded in a notebook, not online) with lots of cartoon illustrations (the author is the creator of the comic strip "One Big Happy"). Compared to WIMPY KID this is low key, featuring a fairly normal narrator to whom mildly amusing things happen--not all of which seem mildly amusing to him, but they will to readers. No death, no abuse, no drug use, no (bad) family secrets, likeable parents (two of them), a big sister from hell but she's obviously just having a...more
Ini saya yang lagi nggak mood atau apa ya? Ceritanya biasa-biasa aja sih, namanya anak SMP di Amerika. Banyak yang bikin ketawa sih, tapi selebihnya biasa aja. Bacanya juga sambil lalu aja. Eh ternyata, di bagian akhir ada pertanyaan-pertanyaan yang tidak bisa saya jawab langsung karena baca sambil lalu itu. Lha ini buku pelajaran atau apa sih? Sampai ada pertanyaan wacana segala? Kaget, semacam diejek bahwa saya terbukti bukan pembaca yang baik hehehe.
Ya tapi karena saya menganggap buku ini tid...more
Ya tapi karena saya menganggap buku ini tid...more
Think the Wimpy Kid books but at a high school level. Larkin Pace is required to write a notebook blog over the course of five months at Arthur C. Weatzle High School; this book is that illustrated blog. It covers bullies, romance (and lack thereof), friendship, annoying siblings, and embarrassing parents. The pranks are spot-on for many middle schoolers but I don’t imagine anyone over the age of 14 will appreciate the humor. As an educator, I was annoyed at the part where Larkin sees his teache...more
I really liked this! I don't read enough books for boys (mostly because they tend to like sci-fi/fantasy and I really struggle with that genre) so I'm glad I have a book to recommend to some of my male students. Loved the movie references, and I also liked how it was a slice of life kind of a story. No clear endgame, just a snapshot of a kid's life. I read it on my iPad, checked out from my library's Overdrive app, so I don't know if the comic panels are better in print. But I did also like the...more
This reminded me a lot of Diary of a Wimpy Kid--but featuring a slightly older character with a bit more depth and heart. It was a quick read and I think kids will like it and get some of the humor, but the movie quotes in particular are something most kids won't be able to relate to because probably they haven't seen the movies. For example, Scarface is an R movie with so much profanity, I would be surprised if any middle schooler (or even high schooler) has seen it.
Draft BAYA review
Detorie has made an entry into the growing list of novel-comic book hybrids with this peek into the journal of high school freshman Larkin Pace. While fulfilling an English class writing assignment, Larkin tells us the story of the second half of the school year. He deals with many of the usual teens dramas: the school bully, a lost love, the ups and downs of friendship, and a mean older sister. He also has a special wish: to buy a camcorder and start his film making career.
Lark...more
Detorie has made an entry into the growing list of novel-comic book hybrids with this peek into the journal of high school freshman Larkin Pace. While fulfilling an English class writing assignment, Larkin tells us the story of the second half of the school year. He deals with many of the usual teens dramas: the school bully, a lost love, the ups and downs of friendship, and a mean older sister. He also has a special wish: to buy a camcorder and start his film making career.
Lark...more
May 29, 2011
Lee Anne
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
twelve to fourteen year olds
Shelves:
borrowed-not-bought
A cute graphic novel/diary from the creator of the "One Big Happy" comic strip. It's being billed as a "Wimpy Kid" book for the kid who's a little older, and I'd say that just about sums it up. Young teens should enjoy this, even with the old movie references. Younger kids might enjoy it, too. The only "grown-up" difference is a bored coach who, during gym class, looks at naked girls on the internet (and the naked girls aren't seen). Otherwise, it's pretty PG.
I really enjoyed this book and it is a great read for kids who are moving up from Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. I would have given it five stars but I found an issue with all the movie references and that they didn't appear to be movies the intended audience would be familiar with. They were movies I was familiar with, but I don't know that teens would know movies like Scarface or Rocky. Otherwise it was a great entertaining book.
Though kids might enjoy the format of this one, a kids journal enhanced with comics, but a lot of the plot lines never really go anywhere. I guess this makes is realistic, but I thinks kids will be dissatisfied if they make it to the end. This is probably my teacher bias, but I also hate it when students prank and teacher and there are no consequences-especially when it involves a viral video.
Larkin made a great character, and I really enjoyed reading his story. I loved his attempts to get a date, and his interactions with his family (yikes, what a sister!) and his relationship with his elderly neighbor. Rick Detorie had me totally rooting for Larkin the whole way through. I also like the brief nod to Pearls Before Swine - I love those crocs! This is a book I would highly recommend to middle school guys (and girls).
Ages 12+ (this is a mock school assignment, so language is #*$@! style, but there is sort of general high school angsty stuff that makes it just a smidge too old for a general booktalk to a class of 6th graders)
One of the reviews billed this as Diary of a Wimpy Kid but older. It was cute, smart, engaging and a quick read, but not lolzy or spectacular. Average but still pleasant.
One of the reviews billed this as Diary of a Wimpy Kid but older. It was cute, smart, engaging and a quick read, but not lolzy or spectacular. Average but still pleasant.
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Rick Detorie is the creator of the popular comic strip One Big Happy. He is the author of 14 humor books, including the best-sellers No Good Men, No Good Lawyers, Totally Tacky Cartoons, Catholics and How to Survive an Italian Family. He currently resides in Venice, California.
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“My life is ruined!" She sobbed. "It's just one big rotting whale carcass on the beach of broken dreams!”
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Mar 23, 2012 01:03pm